After a stint in the United States, Gombau returned to Australian soccer in June last year, with Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou endorsing his selection as part of the Australian national teams' set-up.

FFA confirmed that Gombau quit his post as Olyroos coach and Socceroos assistant coach, allowing him to take up the Wanderers post.

"After an extensive worldwide search we are confident we have chosen the best candidate for the job," Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer said.

Hayden Foxe has been acting as caretaker since Popovic, the club's inaugural head coach, announced a week before the season started he was leaving to take over at Turkish club Karabukspor.

The Wanderers are away at Melbourne Victory on Monday night in round five of the A-League.